Side frame and journal box



Oct. 28, 1930. D. S. BARRows 1,779,526

SIDE FRAME AND JOURNAL BOX Oct. 28, 1930.

D. S. BARROWSV SIDE FRAME AND JOURNAL BOX 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April l5, 1927 s f J Patented Oct. 28, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE DONALD s. BARROWs, on ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, AssIGNOR `To THE GOULD OOURLER COMPANY, OF NEWYORK N. Y., A CORPORATION ORMARYLAND SIDE FRAME AND J' ORNAL BOX Application filed April 15,

, This invention relates to side frames with separable journal boxes-land, more particularly, to those having jaws at Opposite ends thereof receiving andholding journal boxes therein. f

The principal obj ect of my invention, generally considered, is the provision `of side frames with journal box' receiving jaws at opposite ends thereof, anV abutment surface on each journal box anda corresponding abutting surface on each jawl being formed for permitting rocking motion therebetween for'equalizing purposes.

An object of my invention is the provision of a journal box of the wedgeless'type, that is, one in which the bearing or brass therein directly engages the roof of the box, whereby internal equalization is dispensed with and outside 0r external equalization of the box between it and the associated frame is provided for. s

Another object of my invention is the provision-of a side frame with jaws at opposite ends thereof receiving associated journal boxesfthe roofs or supporting surfaces of said boxes being preferably formed with cavities or pockets receiving preferably heattreated insertsattached thereto and present-` ingconvex upper surfaces, the corresponding portions of the receiving jaws being`v formed with cooperating pocketsor cavi-Y ties receiving preferably heat-treated inserts presenting corresponding convex Vsurfaces for engagement with the convex surfaces of the journal box inserts for permitting equalization of the boxes with respect to the frame.

A further objectl of my inventionis the provision of preferably heat-treated inserts positioned between a side-frame andassoc'iated journal boxes, the upper insert being se curely held in the frame as by meansof babbitt, molten steel, welding, riveting or the like, the lower inserts being similarly'connected to the journall boxes andl presenting convex surfaces toward eachother for per-A mitting rocking therebetween and consequent equalization of the journal boxes. A

A still further object of my invention is the formation of `a journal boxknot requiring an.V equalizng wedge between the roof 1927. serial No. 184,012.

and bearing thereof, "provision being madev tionfrelating to theparticular arrangement and construct-ion ofthe variousv parts will become apparent as thedescription pr l ceeds- Referring to the drawings illustratingmy' invention, the scopeI whereof is delinedby the fGCll V sectionalview appended claims :V Y

Figure l is a transverse through one end ofr a sidefframe Aon the center line of anfassoclatedjournal box, an as'-rso'ciated bearinglandjournafl being shown 1n elevation.` f' j t "i Q Figure 21s aside elevation of one end of a side frame showing an associated journal boX'f and aportion of the frame in section on the line 2 2 of Fig.i Vl, looking in thedirection of the arrows. y j Y Figure 3 1s va fragmentary''sectionallview corresponding to Figure l but showing amodification andillustra'ting the box raisedV and tilted 'for permitting removal of the as-l -sociated bearing. j v i i Figure 4 is a view corresponding toFigurev Qbut further illustrating the modification shown in Figure.

Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Fig-V ure A but showing a fu'rther'-modification.'

rThe Operation'of a journal and albearing under; conditions of maximum ericlency,

which involves minimum friction and wear, requires first a unit pressure per 'square inch of projected area `which fwill vmaintain the integrity of the'oil film. This permissible pressure per square inch is affected'by a number of factors, especially the peripheral speed of the bearing. I Y Y It is also requisite that the pressure'shall be substantially uniform over theentire area and this can only be so ,when the bearing is absolutely in alinement with Vthe journal. For

aloosely connected structure like a car truck,

it is necessary to have anequalizing feature to maintain theV alinement of bearing and journal regardless of lack of parallelism between the two side frames and regardless of. relative Occasional movement between the two;` Thefneoessityfor accurate alnement of bearings in an automobile crank case for instance is probably known to everyone. If one of these bearing seats were bored on an angle, that particular bearing would carry an unequally distributed load and would speedily overheat and wear. Y

The standard A. R. A. detail to accomplish the necessary equalization is the drop forged wedge crowned on its upper surface to a 78 radius and in contact with the supposedly flat cast roof of the ournal box. It has been a mattei' of common observation that wear takes place between the wedge and the roof of the box so that the original theoretical line contact, if it ever existed, speedly becomes of measurable width, thereby reducing the freedom of movement of the wedge. It will be obvious that the only force, causing the wedge to equalizeand correct a misalinement, is the unbalanced pressure on the bearing. In other words, thewedge would not-function as designed unless the unit bearing pressure were higher at one end of the bearing than at the other.

As the destruction of the oil film results without delay from an unduly high pressure, it is essential that any equalizing means should function immediately. The drop forged wedge in contact with the cast roof of the box does not function immediately.

It isthe purpose of this invention to provide hardened crowned surfaces in contact which from their design and composition will maintain for the longest possible time a minimum width of line contact so that the equalizing featurewill voperate speedily and for a long period without deterioration. I, therefore, form a journal box in substantially the usual way but with no provision for an internal wedge, the roof of the box being formed to receive the brass or bearing directly.

Through the insertionr ofa hardened crowned wearing plate in the exterior roof of the box and of a similar plate within the jaw of the side frame, I cause the journal box and bearing to remain constantly in proper alinement with the journal, as the whole box equalizes or adapts itself to any deviationV of the side frame from' a true vertical position. As an incidental advantage, there is hence no relative rocking movement between the axle and the box, as is the case with the internal equalizing wedge. Hence, the wear on the dust guard is less.

Now considering` tne drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters7 and first considering the embor iment of my invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, there is shown the end portion of a side frame lvwhich is what may be described as a jaw type frame and may be of well known construction or correspond with that disclosed in my application for car trucks, Serial Number 162,137, filed January 19, 1927'. ,Al-

' :though only one jaw 2 is illustrated, it is obvious that the frame is symmetrical and provided with a jaw at each end thereof adapted to receive an associated journal box 3.

Each jaw 2 comprises an outer or end member 4 and an inner member 5 between which the side walls 6 of the ournal box 3 are embraced. The lower portions of the journal box engaging webs or flanges 7 of the members l and 5 may be substantially vertical, the upper portions, however, preferably converging or sloping toward each other and, at their upper ends, oining with a substantially horizontal web or flange 8 adapted to abut or be supported by the associated journal box 3. Said web or flange 8 is formed to present a lower surface 9 to the corresponding portion of the journal box 3, said surface 9 being formed convex or of such a character that it normally engages the mid portion only of the corresponding upper surface on the journal box, whereby rocking motion therebetween for equalizing purposes is permitted. In the present embodiment, the surface 9 is convex but, if desired, it may be flat or concave provided the curvature of such portion is less than that of the associated surface on the journal box. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, however, both surfaces are convex as being the simplest manner for permitting equalization of the box.

ln the embodiment under consideration, the surface 9 is formed on a separate insert 10, the purpose of such being that it may be made of heat-treated or specially hardened steel, thereby' improving the wearing qualities thereof and permitting a. more eflicient equalization. The insert 10 may be retained in place in a corresponding, but larger, cavity 11 in the frame in any desired manner as by forming the cavity with longitudinal lips or ribs 12 and the insert with corresponding lips or ribs 13 and, after insertion in place, filling the space between the insert and the frame with babbitt, molten steel or otherwise securely connecting the parts. Those portions of babbitt 14s or the like, extending lmigitudinalljT of the frame on either side of the insert 10, are preferably joined at the ends thereof by laterally extending portions 15, whereby the inserts are securely locked in place and adequate bearing area is provided between the inserts on each side of the longitudinal center line of the frame, said inserts being designed so that the main bearing between the same and the frame will be at the center.

The surface 16, on the top of the box 3, formed for rocking engagement with the surface 9 on the frame 2, may, for the same reason, be desir-ably formed on a hardened or heat-,treated insert 17 in the roof or top wall 18 of the journal box 3, said insert 17 being desirably formed interchangeable with the insert 1G and, therefore, tapered longitudinally of the frame as in connection with the u.no

i of the box in a manner similar to the securing of the insertV to the frame 2. Although the `inserts 10 and 17 are crowned transversely of the frame for permitting corresponding equalization thereof, there is no necessity for forming they rocking surfaces of said inserts other than straight longitudinally of the `frame as no equalization in that direction isV necessary. The surfaces 9 and 16 are,there fore, cylindrical or curved in a transverse direction `only rather than spherical or curved in both directions, are preferably convex to- `wardeach other, and have corresponding radii of curvature.V Y y The aforedescribed. construction, ,permitting transverse rocking or equalization of the :box with respect to the frame, obviatesthe necessity of the usual wedge between the bearing or brass .19. and the roof-18,0f the box. This ina-lies it possiblefto machine the lower surface of thereof 18 Vof the box, whereby an accurate` engagement between said surface and the bearing or brass 19 may be provided.

WThere is no trouble experienced in moving such a brass 19. from Vbetween the box 3 and the associated;journal'Ql, it being merely necessary to raise the box slightly andtilt it, as 'most clearly'shown in Figure 3wlien the brass may be `removed as will 7be obvious.

In order to peimit`-tlie desiredainount of rocking or equalization between the frame 1 and the journal box `3,'the iianges 2201i they box, `between V'which the depending elements i and 5 of "the jaware received, preferably flare or diverge downwardly instead of being parallel, `asniost clearly shown in Figure. 1. As in accordance with wellknown practice,

the box is desirabiy `provided with cavities or ,pockets 23 adapted to receive Vlocking means 24 extending-from the outeror end element 4 of the "jaw 2 for locking the box,

with respect to the frame. The-object in having two 'pockets 23 in each box is to avoid rights and vvlefts -in boxes, anylbox `being adapted for connection lat either end vof `the frame. Although 'l have shown a special or wedgeless box, yet-the jaw of the frame is of standard shape so that a box of standardtyp'e, not having a hardened insert and contain-ing the usual wed'ge,can be used interchangeably with the special box illustrated.V f y Referring now to the embodiment of ,my invention illustrated iniFigures `3 and. 4, a construction isl there disclosed involving a frame 1la with aj aw 2a and a box 3a, the means for equalizationKV between thev box fand frame involving inserts 1(7)'o1 and 17a providing, respectively, vcorresponding `convex surfaces 91l and 16LA for permitting lateral, equal'izaey are dove-tailed at their ends as "indicated at 25 and `26, respectively, and closelyfit the frame at the sides thereof as indicated at 27 and 28, respectively. The cavities receiving the inserts 10'a and 17 a are likewise dove-tailed at their ends as `indicated at 29 and 30 and said inserts are locked in position-by babbitt or the like 31 iilling the space betweenthe ends of the inserts and the CorrespondingV ends of the receiving cavities.v Except as specifically described in connection with vthe present embodiment, the construction thereof may correspond substantially with that of the first embodiment. f

Referring now to the embodiment Aof my invention illustrated in Figuref5,a construction Vis theredisclosed similar Ato Athat'of the previous embodiments, a frame 1b of thej aw `type being shown with an associated journal 'box 3", the roof of the journal box and the corresponding portion of the frame Vbeing provided with inserts 10b and 17", respectively, said inserts, however, preferably corresponding inA size with the receiving cavities inthe members and being retained' in place by rivets 32 and 33, respectively, the-adjacent heads of said rivets being preferably countersunln as indicated at34fto avoid'extension of the same beyond theengaging rocking surfaces 9b and 16". The lower heads of the rivets 33 in the box are preferably -inset in the roof 18.b thereof to avoid interfering with the brass 19) andthe upper "wall or web 35 of the frame ispreferably-apertured as indicated at 36 to facilitate driving of the rivets'32 which secure the insert lQbjto `the frame. Except as 'specifically'described limited to such, as suchsurfacesniay-be provided in other ways and mother places, the invention broadly comprising` the profv vision 4for equalizing thel journal` box by means outside of thebox yasdistinguished from the usual .wedge. i' box with respect to t-he journal and tiltingthe same with respect to the `frame as illustrated, the rear flange 37 of the brass will readil disengage from behind. the sheulder .38 on the box, a corresponding disengagement being simultaneously eifectedwith respect :to the brass lugs 39., f f v In view of the foregoing disclosure of invention, it will be apparent that ljphave de! vised means for outside equalizationof journal boxes with respectv toV associated frames involving the substitution of preferably heat- Upon raising the'y frames for the usual wedges, such a construction effecting an economy inasmuch as the inserts are Vsmaller and adapted to be more readily manufactured than the wedges. Another advantage effected is that, by outside equalization of the box with respect to the frame, normal tilting of the journal with respect to the box in service, is minimized or practically eliminated, whereby a decrease in movement of the dust guard (not shown) in the dust guard well is permitted wit-h a consequent reduction in the wear on the dust guard.

Having now described my invention, I claim:

l. In combination, a side frame having a jaw at each end thereof, journal boxes embraced by said jaws, upstanding flanges on said journal boxes embracing said jaw portions to limit transverse motion therebetween, and means presenting convex surfaces toward one another for permitting rocking of said boxes with respect to said jaws for equalizing purposes.

2. In combination, a side frame having a jaw at each end thereof, journal boxes embraced in said jaws, the roofs of said journal boxes presenting convex upper surfaces to correspondingly shaped engaging surfaces of the jaws for permitting equalization of said boxes therein, and formed with upstanding flanges lying on either side of said jaw portions for maintaining said boxes in position.

3. In combination, a side frame having a downwardly opening j aw at each end thereof, journal boxes received therein and formed with roofs presenting convex surfaces toward the receiving jaws and formed with anges extending along said roofs on either side of said jaw portions to limit lateral. motion therebetween, said flanges being extended down the sides of said boxes and diverging from one another, the corresponding portions of said jaws presenting convex vsurfaces to said journal boxes, whereby rocking there# between with consequent equalization of said boxes is permitted 4. In combination, a side frame having depending portions, forming a jaw at Aeach end thereof, journal boxes embraced by said jaws, bearings in said ournal boxes directly engaging the inner surfaces of the roofs thereof, journals engaging said bearings, and locking means extending fromsaid depending portions into corresponding pockets in the boxes for holding them in place.

5. In combination, a side frame having a jaw at each end thereof, journal boxes containing bearings directly engaging the roofs thereof embraced by said jaws, and hardened inserts convex on both sides positioned between the roofs of said journal boxes and the corresponding surfaces of the frame and re-V ceived in correspondingly shaped pocket-s.

therein for permitting equalizing motion therebetween.

6. In combination, a side frame having a jaw at each end thereof, journal boxes embraced by said jaws, upwardly opening cavities provided in said journal boxes, corresponding downwardly opening cavities provided in said jaws, and interchangeable insert's, respectively, interloclred in said cavities and presenting convex surfaces in engagement with each otherV for permitting rocking movement between said boxes and frame for equalizing purposes.

7. In combination, a side frame having a jaw at each end thereof, journal boxes embraced by said jaws, bearings in said journal boxes directly engaging the inner surfaces of the roofs thereof and adapted to engage associated journals, said boxes being provided with upwardly opening cavities therein, corresponding downwardly opening cavities in said jaws, and interchangeable hardened steel inserts, respectively, contained in said cavities and presenting convex surfaces in engagement with each other to allow rocking movement between said boxes and frame for equalizing purposes.

8. In combination, a side frame formed with means at either end for receiving a j ournal box, a journalbox connected thereto, each of said journal boxes being formed with a roof, the under surface of which is fiat and adapted to directly engage an associated bearing, the upper surface of said roof being formed with'an upwardly opening pocket, a hardened insert positioned in said pocket and securely connected to the box, the upper surface of said insert being crowned transversely with respect to the associated frame, that portion of the frame, directly above the insert, being formed with a correspondingly formed pocket in which is connected a corresponding insert, the lower surface of which engages the upper surface of the box insert, whereby transverse equalizing motion between said box and frame is permitted.

9. In combination, a side frame formed with a jaw, a journal box received in said jaw, said box containing a bearing directly engaging and interlocked with the under surface of the roof of said box, the upper surface of said roof and the adjacent surface of the frame being provided with means positioned therebetween interlocked with the correspending surfaces and having the spaces therebetween iilled with metal castv in place, for permitting equalizing motion of the box.

10. In combination, a side frame having a jaw at an end thereof, a journal box received therein, said box being provided with a bearing directly engaging the inner surface of the roof thereof and means co1nprising interchangeable hardened steel inserts respectively nterloclred to the jawand box for permitting rocking of the box with respect to the jaw for equalizing purposes.

11. In combination, a side frame having a jaw at each end thereof, journal boxes ernbraced by said jaws, said boxes being provided with upwardly opening cavities therein, corresponding downwardly opening cavities in said jaws, and interchangeable hardened steel inserts, respectively, contained in said cavities and presenting convex surfaces in engagement with each other to allow rocking movement between said boxes and frame for equalizing purposes. Y

l2. In combination, a side frame having a downwardly opening aw at one end thereof, a journal box received therein, said journal box being formed with a roof the upper surface of which is formed with anl upwardly opening pocket and flanges extending therealong on either side of said jaw portions to limit lateral motion therebetween, said flanges extending down the sides of said box and diverging from one another to permit angling of said box, a hardened steel insert positioned in said pocket and interlocked with respect to the box, the upper surface of said insert being convexly curved trans-V versely with respect to the associated frame,

that portion of theV frame within the jaw directly above the insert being formed with a corresponding pocket in which an insert interchangeable with the insert in the box is received and interlocked, the lower surface.

of said insert being correspondingly convexly curved and engaging the upper surface of the box insert, whereby transverse equalizing motion between said box and frame is permitted. Y

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature.

DONALD S. BARROWS. 

